After seven seasons in Utah, Nat Borchers’ time with Real Salt Lake came to an end on Monday with the announcement that he had been traded to the Portland Timbers in exchange for Allocation Money.
Just hours after the announcement, he appeared on the Bill and OC Show on ESPN 700 in Salt Lake City and he spoke very highly of his time with the Claret-and-Cobalt.
“I learned a lot of lessons. I definitely learned that when it comes to success on the field, there are a lot of things that have to happen off the field for the team to be successful,” Borchers said. “For our group, off the field meant hanging out together. It meant being a part of each other’s families. It meant participating in each other’s lives and getting to know other guys on the team outside of the soccer field. That made things really special for us and made our group very special. That translated into so much of our success – just how well we knew each other, how much we loved playing for each other and fighting for each other.”
Borchers expressed a strong connection with the RSL fan base, one that was established early in his time with the club and only strengthened with each season.
“We’ve got nothing but gratitude toward the soccer community in Utah. Since day one they brought us in and made us feel at home out here. People are just so engaging and friendly and positive and excited about RSL,” he said. “I’m just really proud that we were able to make that product a little bit better for the last seven years. It gives the community a lot to talk about. We’re incredibly grateful to the fans for rooting for us when we’re losing and cheering for us when we’re winning. That’s just the sign of a fan base that’s here to stay and will be here forever. I’m really looking forward to coming back here and watching games with my family and being part of this RSL family that’s so special.”
At some point, Borchers will return to Rio Tinto Stadium wearing the green of the Portland Timbers. When that day comes and he faces off with his longtime teammates, he admitted that the feeling would be odd.
“I don’t look forward to that at all because I know it’s going to be a tough matchup and there’s going to be a lot of emotion involved,” Borchers said.
To hear the entire interview, click the link below.
